The Caribbean nation of Antigua could have its highest mountain named after Barack Obama. Photograph: Newmarket

The prime minister of Antigua wants to rename the island's highest mountain Mount Obama in honour of the US president-elect.

Boggy Peak, as it is currently known, rises more than 1,300ft (396 metres) over the island's southern point and serves as a transmission site for broadcasting and telecommunications. It also is a popular hiking spot.

The prime minister, Baldwin Spencer, announced the plans on Wednesday in a congratulatory letter to Barack Obama.

Antigua's attorney general, Justin Simon, said he would find out if parliament needed to approve the name change. The political analyst Avel Grant said it could draw more tourists to the island.